Avalanche forecast

Bridgeport Avalanche Center

Bridgeport Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Blowing snow continues today creating unstable conditions above and near tree line. Keep your eyes peeled for evidence of wind slabs, this includes: cracking or whumpfing underfoot, wind loaded slopes, and any signs of recent avalanche activity.  Take the time to evaluate the snowpack carefully and consider your route-finding options. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Blowing snow will continue to form wind slabs today. The wind direction at Leavitt Lake has shifted multiple times over the last 72 hrs and will continue to until it settles in the forecasted NW direction. Watch for signs of unstable wind-transported snow such as recent avalanche activity, blowing snow, and pillow-like appearances on slopes. The terrain to avoid includes convex slopes, gullies, ridgelines, and slopes below or near cornices.  The BWRA usually receives the bulk of its wind from the SW during and after storms. With the variable wind directions recently, wind slabs may be in a location that surprises you.  Avoid wind slabs by choosing the appropriate terrain and carefully evaluating the snowpack.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Lingering storm slabs may be present below tree line. Avoid slopes greater than 30 degrees. New snow may not have bonded well to the existing snowpack creating instability a human-triggered avalanche is possible in a location such as sardine can wall and other wind-sheltered terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

Wow, what a year it has already been for snowfall, and it's not just the talk of the town,  Leavitt Lake SNOTEL has the numbers to back it up. This past storm pushed us over the median snow-water equivalent (SWE) of 55 inches at the site. This morning we sit at 60.8 in of SWE at Leavitt Lake.

What does that mean? If you melted the 17ft 6 in of snow at LL all at once you would have 60.8 inches of water. On an average year, we have 55 inches of SWE. As of January 14th, we have surpassed that number! Impressive!

 

 

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